Florence, the city of the lily, the Marzocco, and the Medici family. Florence, a city embraced by the waters of the Arno, remarkably low during dry spells but alarmingly high in periods of heavy rain. So high that it struck fear into those present on that November 4, 1966…
Florence, the city of the dome that has stood for over five hundred years—so beware anyone who touches it, for it may collapse now. Florence, the city of traditional dishes like “ribollita”, “pappa al pomodoro” (tomato soup), Christmas boiled meat, and summer “panzanella”.
Florence and the Oltrarno, the city’s most authentic part, accessed by crossing one of the bridges leading “beyond,” where markets, workshops, and antique stores await.
Florence and the San Lorenzo market, where you’ll always find a mischievous Florentine trying to outsmart you or convincing you that their alternative is “just as good” (even if not what you initially sought).
So, to discover Florence, it’s worth taking a stroll!
To Learn More…
This route is suitable for those who have never been to Florence and for those who wish to see their city with a fresh perspective. We’ll delve into the most significant aspects of the city, narrating its ancient and recent history.
Starting from Piazza San Lorenzo, in front of the Basilica, our journey’s kick-off point. Here, I’ll share tales of the Medici family. We are in the heart of the Medici quarter, where the first family palace stands, and inside the Basilica, all the Medicis are buried. I’ll also reveal why the Basilica of San Lorenzo lacks a facade.
Several churches in Florence have been without a facade for a long time, until Florence became the capital of Italy. It was decided that unfinished Basilicas were unsuitable for a capital, leading to the construction of facades—except for the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
From San Lorenzo, we’ll move towards the majestic and imposing Cathedral, where efficient and wealthy medieval craftsmen, stone by stone, slowly but inexorably, built the Cathedral of Florence. In the shadow of the dome, I’ll unravel the story of Brunelleschi‘s genius, who, in just sixteen years, opposed by all, built it without ever revealing his methods, too jealous of his art.
From here, wandering through the medieval alleys of the city, we’ll reach Piazza della Signoria. I’ll introduce you to its “inhabitants,” from Cosimo I on horseback to Neptune; from the Marzocco to the replica of Michelangelo’s David; up to Perseus, who continues to display Medusa’s head to those passing by.
Crossing the Uffizi square, we’ll reach the Ponte Vecchio, now sparkling with gold and jewelry, dazzling tourists from the shop windows. Where gold now dazzles passersby, there were once butcher shops selling meat, a useful but much less noble product than gold. When Cosimo I de’ Medici decided that Vasari’s Corridor would pass over the Ponte Vecchio, a secret passage leading the Grand Duke from the residence of Palazzo Pitti to his “office” in Palazzo della Signoria (now Vecchio that means “old” in italian), he no longer wanted meat and blood under his feet. He ousted the butchers and replaced them with goldsmiths, who dealt with gold, a more noble and certainly less odorous material.
Passing through Via dei Guicciardini, we’ll reach Palazzo Pitti, the Medici palace in the city, our little Versailles, to say our goodbyes in Piazza Santo Spirito, where I can recommend restaurants or cafes for a refreshing break.
